For most people, their concept of EDC essentials is what would easily fit in their pockets. Still, for others, this may not be enough. It’s time to consider a compact sling bag when you’re looking to carry more gear than would fit in your clothes’ compartments but not enough for a full-sized bag or daypack. They offer a lightweight carry option for warm weather and long errands and pack just enough for full-day walkabouts without being too clunky or heavy. Since everybody’s ideal carry would differ, finding one that meets your specific storage and organization needs is best. In this guide, we put together 20 great examples of EDC-worthy sling bag options for every carry scenario.
Our Favorites, Ranked
The Best Overall Sling: Aer Day Sling Max [Buy]
The Best Sling on a Budget: Osprey Daylite [Buy]
The Best Sling for Cameras: Bellroy Venture Sling Camera Edition [Buy]
The Best Sling for Large Capacity: Alpaka Bravo Sling Max LE [Buy]
The Best Sling for Bike Commuters: North St. Pioneer 9 Hip Pack [Buy]
Aer Day Sling Max | Osprey Daylite | Bellroy Venture Sling Camera Edition | Alpaka Bravo Sling Max LE | North St. Pioneer 9 Hip Pack |
 |  |  |  |  |
| $$ | $ | $$$ | $$ | $$ |
| Capacity: 6L | Capacity: 6L | Capacity: 10L | Capacity: 10L | Capacity: 2.65L |
| Materials: VX42 X-Pac | Materials: Multiple | Materials: Ripstop nylon | Materials: X50 X-Pac | Materials: Multiple |
| Key Features: Versatile storage | Key Features: Dual U-zip access | Key Features: Padded popout dividers | Key Features: Lockable zippers | Key Features: Multiple carry options |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
The Top Sling Bags You Should Know
When picking a good sling bag, you should look out for a few things. The first is capacity. Sling packs are usually much smaller than your typical backpack, so if you carry a lot of gear, focus on the larger options ranging from 7L-10L.
As with most EDC bags, you should also pay close attention to the materials. Water-resistant fabric and zippers are a must to keep your gear dry. You should also pay attention to how heavy the sling is. For the most part, you’ll carry these over your shoulders, so lighter is better if you have neck or shoulder issues.
Bellroy Venture Camera Edition Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
Detachable, ambidextrous strap
Padded popout dividers
Leather free
Specifications
Capacity
10L
Weight
17.6 oz
Materials
Recycled ripstop nylon
There are few brands I trust as much as Bellroy when it comes to quality. You can find everything from messenger bags to travel backpacks in their lineup, and I’ve had one of their wallets for years. So naturally, I figured the 10L Venture Sling Camera Edition was worth checking out. It’s the perfect camera bag for grab-and-go photographers thanks to clever plenty of internal organization, a sleek water-resistant exterior that feels nice to the touch, and straps on the bottom for my tripod.
But all those same features also make it great for a more general EDC. The detachable strap with a quick-slide buckle makes it easy to get to my gear in a pinch, and the pockets and zippered pouches scattered throughout are perfect for carrying spare batteries, SD cards, flashlights, and a water bottle. They even come with padded dividers to help separate your items. The Bellroy Venture Sling comes in 6L or 9L options, so it has you covered depending on what you’re looking for.
Chrome Industries Tensile Hip Pack Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
Expandable, gusseted water botttle pockets
Separate main compartments
Hip or sling carry
Specifications
Capacity
7L
Weight
13.4 oz
Materials
3-layer laminated ripstop nylon and polyester, 210D nylon ripstop
Anyone looking for a crossbody bag you can snap on and remove in one motion should look no further than the 7L Chrome Industries Tensile Hip Pack Sling. This small sling has the same signature seatbelt buckle you’ll find across its well-respected lineup. It’s easily adjustable and has a built-in bottle opener for celebrating once you reach your destination. It’s made entirely of water-resistant nylon that’s tough to break and weighs almost nothing (0.84 pounds/0.38 kg).
The zippered front pocket is perfect for getting to my most used items quickly, which means taking off the bag every time I needed to get something out of it wasn’t necessary. I will say that the main compartment is pretty barebones and doesn’t have much organization, but at least that gives you space to sort your larger gear as needed. The second compartment is the one that I dedicated to smaller items thanks to its integrated organizational pouch. It’s also the compartment closest to the body, making it harder to access for any ne’er-do-wells that might be watching.
It’s available in a stealthy all-black color option or a Stormtrooper white, in 3-layer recycled laminated nylon and polyester lined with 210D nylon ripstop. Whichever you choose, chances are you won’t be disappointed.
WNDRD ROAM Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
Lightning quick access
5-point adjustment system
Mesh back panel
Specifications
Capacity
3L
Weight
16 oz
Materials
840D/1680D ballistic nylon
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$
Sometimes, you don’t need a huge crossbody bag if you’re going for a quick stroll. Still, if you’re like me and never leave the house without a camera, then the WNDRD ROAM Sling might be for you. This 3L camera sling is small enough that it doesn’t get in the way of everyday life, but it is still packed with enough features to be useful even if you’re not a photographer. The entire sling uses smooth-feeling ballistic nylon for its body and also has water-resistant YKK zippers that will keep your gear dry in a passing rainstorm (though you might need an umbrella). Inside is plenty of internal organization for smaller accessories and it even comes with an adjustable divider that perfectly fits an extra lens (or, in my case, a snack).
The ROAM Sling is noteworthy, though, because the team at WNDRD designed it to fit everyone, regardless of body type. The 5-point adjustment system lets you adjust every aspect of how you carry the bag, so after a minute or two of fiddling around, it should feel like it’s meant for you. It also has a built-in key clip and air mesh back panel to prevent a sweaty back on longer days which is my curse. The cherry on top is the dual straps on the bottom, perfect for carrying a tripod or even a water bottle.
NOMATIC Navigator Sling Bag
PurchaseSpecifications
Capacity
6L
Weight
35 oz
Materials
Water-resistant fabric
Whether you travel often or commute via public transportation as I do, sometimes even a daypack can be too conspicuous. The NOMATIC Navigator Premium Everyday Sling is a versatile sling bag that combines a clever anti-theft design with plenty of organization for daily essentials. It features a discreet all-black exterior made of a water-resistant material. Trusty waterproof zippers are also used here to protect everything in it from the elements. It also protects your gear from thieves with an RFID-blocking safe pocket and tamper-proof zippers, which I think is a nice touch.
You get a cardholder built right into the shoulder strap to get to transit cards without pulling out your wallet, and it even has a hidden key leash. The back panel is a nice breathable mesh that keeps my back cool, and while the sling is too small to fit a laptop, it can definitely fit my 11” iPad or Nintendo Switch. The main compartment has five pockets for organizing smaller items, and I found the front pocket perfect for things like Bluetooth earbuds or a flashlight.
Mission Workshop Axis Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
YKK urethane-coated zipper
Ultra-thin laser cut waist belt
U-Lock holder
Specifications
Capacity
2.5L
Weight
8 oz
Materials
HT 500D nylon
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$$$
Mission Workshop excels at making durable bags for cyclists, and the 2.5L Axis Sling lives up to that legacy. It’s way smaller than some of the other options I found from Mission Workshop. Still, the San Francisco-based company didn’t cut corners in delivering a sling made from the same high-quality materials as its backpacks. It’s made with 500D nylon and doesn’t underestimate the damage a passing rainstorm can do, which is something I’ve done at least twice to my detriment. It features water-repellent YKK urethane zippers complete with an extra protective flap for even more weather resistance.
The entire interior has a floating liner that better protects gear from the elements than your typical fanny pack. The main compartment easily holds keys, a wallet, and other everyday essentials like my flashlight and multi-tool. On the back is a U-Lock holder for cyclists, while the quick-release buckle makes getting it on or off a breeze. Whether you wear it fanny pack style or sling it over your shoulder like I do, the Axis is a solid option for people who want to keep it light.
Osprey Daylite Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
Multi-functional interior sleeve
Dual U-zip access
Zippered front panel slash pocket
Specifications
Capacity
6L
Weight
8.4 oz
Materials
150D recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR
Osprey is best known for its lightweight travel and hiking backpacks, but it is a mistake to overlook the 6L Daylite Sling. The sling is aptly named as it makes for an excellent option for your next day trip, thanks to a shoulder bag design and light weight. It features dual compartments with a mesh organizer and key clip built-in, which helps me keep track of smaller items I always lose throughout the day. Any place to stash my sunglasses that isn’t in my shirt pocket would be an improvement.
The Daylite has an easy-access pocket on the shoulder strap, perfect for chapstick or snacks (two hiking essentials, in my opinion), and because of its small size, it’s also reasonably packable. The Osprey Daylight Sling makes a solid option no matter where you’re going.
tomtoc Urban Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
Quick access front pocket
Ergonomic, single-strap design
Duraflex buckles
Specifications
Capacity
4.0L
Weight
9.5 oz
Materials
CORDURA nylon
If you’re looking for more of a general use-case bag, check out the tomtoc Urban Sling Bag. It’s made with a minimal design, which I like as it helps you fly under the radar throughout the day. It comes in a reliable CORDURA nylon and features a quick-release buckle for quickly getting it off when you need to get something. A few internal pockets and sleeves in the main compartment prevent smaller items from falling into a giant pile at the bottom of the bag, and an exterior pocket is perfect for things like earbuds or your keys. Plus, a third compartment sneakily keeps more important items like wallets or passports close to your body when you’re out exploring.
The cherry on top is that this bag comes in many different sizes and colors, so chances are you’ll find one that fits your needs. It also comes with a 12-month warranty should anything go wrong. Whether commuting to the office or exploring a new city on vacation, the tomtoc Urban Sling Bag is a steal at this price point.
Topo Designs Mini Quick Pack Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
Bike light attachment loop
Bottom compression straps
Heavy-duty YKK zippers
Specifications
Capacity
2.5L
Weight
8 oz
Materials
420D nylon pack cloth, 210D nylon pack cloth liner
Meant as an on-the-go hip pack, the Topo Designs Mini Quick Pack features a bike light mount and adjustable compression straps for attaching extra gear on the outside. A large diagonally zippered front pocket provides easy access to small items and includes an integrated clip for keys. The main compartment has a hanging pocket for a bit of organization, and both compartments use brightly colored liners to help you sort through your stuff quickly.
Rugged, oversized YKK zippers pair with the brand’s signature paracord pulls to access your gear easily. Finally, two external carry handles make toting the Mini Quick Pack comfortable when not on your shoulder or hips. The best thing, though, is like all Topo products, it comes in so many fun and quirky colors, so you can either be discreet or stand out.
Hazard 4 Bandoleer Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
Crush-resistant construction
HardPoint expansion
Ambidextrous strap
Specifications
Capacity
2L
Weight
24 oz
Materials
1000D CORDURA nylon
The first thing that jumped out to me about the Hazard 4 Bandoleer is the thermoformed molded hardshell construction of the bag itself. The technique involved turning the already-durable and water-resistant 1000D CORDURA fabric into something even more ready to deal with the scraps of daily use. With 2 liters of space, there’s enough room for essential tech and carry gear without weighing you down and ruining your mobility.
It features internal organization spaces for smaller items like snacks, keys, multi-tools, and small flashlights. There’s also a dedicated space compatible with hook and loop holsters for defensive CCW needs. The bag’s exterior can be made even more badass with Hazard 4’s HardPoint hardware accessories that give it sturdy attachment points.
Timbuk2 Vapor Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
Tricot-lined pocket
Front zip pocket with key keeper
Ambidextrous strap
Specifications
Capacity
7L
Weight
10.58 oz
Materials
100% recycled nylon and polyester
If you want a discreet and functional sling bag, check out the Timbuk2 Vapor Sling. This bag is perfect for carrying everyday essentials like multi-tools and charging cables, and it even has a tablet sleeve for up to a 10.5” iPad. The main compartment is easy to access via the convenient side entry, which uses trusty YKK zippers to stay closed while out and about. The bag has a tough exterior made of lightweight nylon that will protect your gear, but the pockets have a soft satin fabric lining that feels perfectly safe to stash tech items like a camera or my iPad.
One thing to note is that this bag doesn’t have much internal organization, but what it lacks on the inside, it makes up for with easy access pockets along the exterior that come in handy when you’re in a crowded subway car and want to retrieve something. The Timbuk2 Vapor Sling comes in three low-key colors: black, cocoa brown, and navy blue.
Aer City Day Max X-Pac Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
11″ tablet pocket
AquaGuard zippers
Fidlock shoulder strap
Specifications
Capacity
6L
Weight
14 oz
Materials
VX42 X-Pac
If you research backpacks with some frequency, one brand that will pop up repeatedly is Aer. The company makes plenty of solid EDC options, and the 6L City Sling Max X-Pac is one of them. The first thing that jumped out to me about this classic sling is the emphasis on carrying and organizing your gear. It’s too small for me to stuff in spare clothes or a laptop, but it is perfect for my glasses, passport, keys, and even an 11” iPad.
The exterior is made of lightweight X-Pac material and weatherproof with YKK Aquaguard zippers for good measure. The top handle is super helpful for adjusting the bag in a pinch, and the adjustable strap has a Fidlock magnetic closure for quick release, which makes me feel like a secret agent. Of course, the interior has mesh pockets for ease of organization and is decorated in bright orange for better visibility in low-light situations.
Peak Design Everyday Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
Adjustable padded strap
Versatile Flexfold dividers
Multiple size options
Specifications
Capacity
6L
Weight
20 oz
Material
400D DWR-impregnated nylon canvas shell
The Peak Design Everyday Sling is a minimalist and low-profile EDC pack that is fairly iconic in the photography space nowadays. It’s easy to carry around and provides just enough room for everyday valuables and essentials, with size options to accommodate all your loadouts. Its core design features low weight and ergonomic details, such as angled strap mounts and an easily adjustable strap, which make for a comfortable and unrestricted all-day carry, even with my camera and a spare lens inside it.
A customizable internal organization system utilizes Peak Design’s signature FlexFold divider to ensure valuables (like a phone and camera) sit securely inside. Multiple interior stretch pockets are perfect for SD cards or smaller cable, and a zippered exterior slip pocket ensures numerous ways to pack for whatever adventure comes your way.
North St. Bags Pioneer 9 Hip Pack Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
Removable nylon belt
Internal loop fields
Multiple carry options
Specifications
Capacity
2.65L
Weight
5.7 oz
Materials
ECOPAK EPX / 1000D CORDURA nylon
For a classic fanny pack-style sling, look no further than the North St. Bags Pioneer 9 Hip Pack. My favorite benefit of simple bike commuter designs is that they can be worn as a crossbody sling, hip pack, or handlebar bag. I can even use it as a dopp kit on my next weekend adventure. One thing to be aware of is that it comes in two materials: ECOPAK EPX or 1000D CORDURA nylon, both water-resistant. So at least you don’t have to worry about bad weather.
Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty which isn’t something you see often. This pack has a roughly 2.5L capacity, so while it can’t hold my laptop, it does have a regular pocket perfect for the holy trinity of phones, wallet, and keys. If that isn’t enough space, you can also add a small vinyl pocket to your order to help keep separate essential tools like multi-tools and flashlights from the general EDC.
The Pioneer 9 Hip Pack is available in many different colors, so whatever your style is, chances are you’ll be able to find one perfect for you (the Coyote colors really sing to me, though!).
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
Super lightweight
Stowable strap
Internal mesh divider
Specifications
Capacity
1L
Weight
2.9 oz
Materials
DCH50 Dyneema
The high-tech, waterproof, and durable Dyneema Composite Fabric keeps the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Sling just under 3 ounces, meaning it’s barely noticeable when wearing it. Still, it’s plenty rugged enough for most EDC needs. The stowable waist strap and multiple carry options make it a versatile pack that can transition from a sling bag to a fanny pack, and my favorite thing about it is that you can even attach it to the sternum or waist straps of your backpack and use it as an external accessory pouch.
Three pockets provide plenty of organization options: the main pouch is perfect for food, smaller beverages, your camera and GPS gear; a front zipper pocket for valuables, keys, and your phone. And a stash pocket on the back for things you need within quick and easy reach. There are also durable YKK zippers and buckles throughout to keep things safely stashed, whether you’re backpacking through the backcountry or transferring flights.
Trakke X-Pac Largo Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
3D ergonomic fit
Unique size and shape
Multiple pockets for your essentials
Specifications
Capacity
6L
Weight
17 oz
Materials
VX21 X-Pac
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$$
If you’re looking for a unique bag that wears comfortably, the Trakke X-Pac Largo Sling is worth checking out. This 6L sling pack is made for EDC thanks to a combination of solid build materials and a clever design you don’t see often. I think it looks like an actual sling, not a fanny pack with a longer strap. It features tried-and-true materials like an X-Pac exterior, an AustriAlpin Cobra buckle, and YKK zippers that protect against rain.
The bag’s interior liner is my favorite thing about it, with a highly visible orange that’s perfect for low-light situations as the color provides a bright background that makes it easy to distinguish gear against. The X-Pac Largo Sling has two compartments. The smaller pocket is perfect for freeing up pocket space as it fits things like your phone, keys, and wallet. The larger compartment gives you more room to experiment with, so depending on the use case, you can toss in a small camera, tablet, or even a few pocket organizers.
DSPTCH Unit Sling Pouch RND Edition
PurchaseKey Features
Two zippered compartments
Waterproof YKK zippers
Removable quick adjust shoulder strap
Specifications
Capacity
N/A
Weight
7 oz
Materials
Dyneema composite fabric
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$$
It seems like DSPTCH makes a bag for every occasion, and its RND editions typically signify experimental releases that are pretty damn cool in my opinion. One of them being the Unit Sling Pouch. It’s made specifically for offloading smaller items too cumbersome to carry in your pockets. It’s made from my favorite bag material, which is a super-lightweight Dyneema composite fabric. That means that it only weighs 7 ounces and is incredibly water-resistant. The YKK zippers also seal together, preventing water from entering either compartment.
Speaking of which, the bag has two minimal compartments. The smaller one is perfect for keys and other smaller items, while the main compartment is just a big pocket waiting for you to stuff things into it. It also comes with a quick-release Fidlock strap and can be worn underneath a jacket just as comfortably, thanks to its slim size and minimal silhouette. While this sling isn’t cheap (I had to save a bit to get mine), it’ll likely be the last sling you’ll ever need.
Mystery Ranch Hip Monkey Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
Compressions straps
Adjustable waist belt
Detail pocket with keychain clip
Specifications
Capacity
8L
Weight
14.1 oz
Materials
500D CORDURA nylon
If you don’t want to think about too much and just want a solid, no-nonsense sling you can trust, get the 8L Mystery Ranch Monkey Sling. The name Mystery Ranch is synonymous with practical gear. So whether you’re in the field or trekking around the city as I do, this is a classic fanny pack that is perfect for carrying anything from emergency kits to a water bottle in its large main compartment.
The adjustable belt strap makes it easy to wear on the hip or over the shoulder depending on the situation, and a sturdy buckle keeps it secure when you need it to be. Our favorite thing about it is the compression straps that help keep the bag slim against your body, so you don’t look like a hunchback walking around with it.
The bag comes in various colors, from stealthy black to high-vis orange, so you have plenty of options. It’s also one of the more affordable bags on this list, making it a solid choice if you’re not sure about the usefulness of a sling and want to try it with your kit without investing too much.
EVERGOODS CIVIC Access Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
Breathable back panel
Zippered mesh pocket
Key leash
Specifications
Capacity
2L
Weight
13 oz
Materials
840D ballistic nylon
The CIVIC Access Sling from EVERGOODS is a great option for anyone looking for a compact bag for everyday use. This 2L sling uses an 840D ballistic nylon that protects against the elements whether you’re riding around town or trying out a new trail. It has a few pockets in the main compartment, perfect for small pocket notebooks, an external battery pack, or even a few emergency credit cards. It also has a smaller front pocket for quick snack access and a built-in key clip.
The breathable back panel makes all-day carry a comfortable endeavor, and it even has a slick nylon strap that makes swinging it around smooth and seamless. You can wear it as a hip pack when cycling, a shoulder sling when hiking, or even across your chest when you need to keep a closer eye on your belongings. However you decide to carry, we feel this is a good EDC option as it’s big enough to hold your kit yet small enough to ensure you’re not bringing things you don’t need.
Alpaka Bravo Max LE Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
Paddednylon strap
Anti-theft, lockable zippers
14″ laptop compartment
Specifications
Capacity
10L
Weight
22 oz
Material
Multicam X50 X-Pac
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$
Another great option for X-Pac lovers like myself is the Alpaka Bravo Sling Max LE. This is one of the larger slings on this list, with a 10L capacity and four compartments. The exterior is a black MultiCam X50 X-Pac weatherproof material, and it has an orange 210D ripstop nylon lining, making a perfect backdrop for smaller items. The front pocket has RFID blocking, and this anti-theft sling even has tamper-proof zippers to ease my suspicious mind. The zippers are also waterproof, which helps keep gear dry, which is a good thing considering this sling can comfortably hold up to a 14” laptop.
One nice touch I like is the mix of sleeves and mesh pockets in the front compartment, which are super helpful when organizing my gear for the day. It even has a built-in magnetic key clip attachment point for my very quiet keys. The Alpaka Bravo Sling Max LE is perfect for anyone that still has to carry a good amount of tech for work but is looking to downsize from a traditional backpack.
GREENROOM136 Metrorunner Sling Bag
PurchaseKey Features
Overbuilt 2″ strap
Compression straps
Secret pockets
Specifications
Capacity
6L
Weight
N/A
Materials
1000D CORDURA nylon
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$
Sometimes, going with the affordable option means that you’ll be sacrificing quality, but that isn’t the case with the 6L GREENROOM136 Metrorunner Sling. This no-nonsense bag uses 1000D CORDURA nylon for the exterior, a giant YKK side release buckle, and of course water-resistant zippers. The shoulder strap has padded EVA foam for comfort, and the bag has two main compartments for organizing gear.
The best thing about it is that there are mini secret pockets you’ll have to find yourself (but we promise they’re useful), and side compression straps keep the bag close to your body when you want it to be. If you want a bag that won’t break the bank but will still get the job done, you can’t go wrong with the Metrorunner.
Some Basic Sling Bag FAQs
Is a sling bag worth it?
A sling bag is worth it if you don’t need to carry too much and only need to EDC a few extra things. A sling bag might not be for everyone, but you won’t be disappointed if you can hone down the perfect kit for your particular sling.
Are sling backpacks better?
Sling backpacks are similar to traditional backpacks. It could be better for you if you typically carry a big pack that’s mostly empty, but if you already carry a bag full of what you consider essential, you might find it hard to stuff it all into a smaller sling pack.
Are sling bags still in style?
Sling packs are for sure back in style. Crossbody slings and fanny packs have come a long way since the 90s. Nowadays, they’re made with durable materials by trustworthy brands with an eye for clever design.
What are the benefits of a sling bag?
The benefits of a sling pack include quick access to frequently used items and a smaller bag that is way easier to manage when you’re out and about. They’re also typically lighter in weight than your average backpack, meaning you can spend the day outdoors without putting too much strain on your back.
How we picked
Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.
What is Everyday Carry?
Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily lives. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.
Why you should trust us
Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise with the industry and familiarity in design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.
